President James Monroe invited the Marquis de Lafayette to visit the United States, his adopted country. Lafayette’s tour of all 24 states in 1824 and 1825 drew large crowds and sparked a renewal of patriotism. During the American Revolution, Lafayette’s intense advocacy of the American cause had convinced French King Louis XVI to send troops and ships, which proved crucial to the American victory at Yorktown.
Lafayette visited Cheraw (the first town he visited in South Carolina), where he was entertained in the home of Dr. William Ellerbe, whose grandfather, Captain Thomas Ellerbe, served under General Francis Marion. The home will hereafter be known as the Lafayette House. After spending the night, he departed for Charleston.
Learn about Revolutionary War Combat Strategy. Watch the Revolutionary War Animated Map. For a summary, read An Overview of the American Revolution.